FORMER Wales hooker Robin McBryde admits that he still has plenty to learn before he can even contemplate a full-time coaching role with the WRU.

McBryde has linked up as a forwards coach in the wake of Mike Ruddock's departure and has impressed the squad with his ideas and style.

He has an agreement to remain with the squad and work with the forwards until the end of the Six Nations.

And even though he is loving every minute of being back involved with the national set-up, he does not feel he is ready to do it full-time.

He said: "I was approached by Scott Johnson and Alan Phillips after Mike had left, and I was more than happy to help out.

"It was a great honour to be asked and I was delighted to accept. I've done a bit of coaching with the under-18's and also at the Scarlets and it is something I enjoy.

"But I understand that I still have a lot to learn, I need to upgrade myself in a lot of areas but I'm eager."

McBryde has already impressed the squad with his ideas since taking up his coaching role.

He has recently returned from New Zealand where he picked up some coaching ideas and he has already started implementing some of what he picked up Down Under.

But McBryde insists that his job has been made easy by the players who have been responsive to his ideas.

He said: "My job has been made that much easier by the quality of the players, they are very easy to work with.

"I was obviously concerned that I might not be experienced enough, but that hasn't been a problem."

And what of his replacement, Rhys Thomas, who has established himself as Wales number one hooker?

He said: "Rhys is a very talented player. When you consider that he is only 23 there is probably a lot more to come from him.

"But we are very lucky at the moment as there are a decent crop of hookers coming through the ranks."

Wales face Italy on Saturday and McBryde is confident they will stand up and be counted. He said: "There is no doubt that the Italians have a big pack, a solid scrum and a decent line-out.

"They play a tight game, but we can use that to our advantage. If we secure ball then there should be space behind."